20 Dog Breeds That Look Like Akitas You’ll Love

When you think of an Akita, you envision a majestic, powerful breed with a striking presence. But did you know there are several other dog breeds that look like Akitas?

In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of dog breeds that mirror the Akita’s distinctive features – from their sturdy build and dense coat to their alert expressions and spirited nature. These breeds not only resemble Akitas in appearance but often share similar temperaments and histories, reflecting the diverse yet interconnected tapestry of the canine world.

Join us as we explore these 20 Akita look-alikes, uncovering the unique traits and origins that link them to their famed counterpart.

20 Dog Breeds that look like Akitas

1. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is often seen as the smaller cousin of the Akita, both hailing from Japan. With a similar plush coat, erect ears, and curled tail, the appearance of these small animals closely mirrors that of the Akita. While smaller in size, both of these Japanese dog breeds share the same bold, spirited personality and foxy face that Akitas are known for. These small dogs make a loyal companion. 

2. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes share a striking resemblance to Akitas, particularly in their powerful build and thick, luxurious fur. They have a similar broad head and small, triangular ears, giving them a wolf-like appearance akin to Akitas. Both breeds are known for their strength and endurance in harsh climates.

3. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies, while often lighter and more agile, share the spitz-like features of Akitas. They have a thick double coat, erect ears, and a similarly expressive face. Huskies and Akitas both have a history as working dogs in cold climates, which is evident in their physical attributes.

4. Samoyed

Samoyeds, with their fluffy white coats, bear a resemblance to the lighter-colored Akitas. This intelligent dog has a similar sturdy build and smiling expression, along with the characteristic spitz curled tail. The friendly Samoyed sled dog, however, contrasts with the more reserved nature of the Akita.

5. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow shares the dense double coat and sturdy build of the Akita. Their lion-like mane and distinct facial features, including deep-set almond eyes, are reminiscent of the Akita’s noble expression. Both breeds also have a history of being revered in their respective cultures.

6. Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound, a spitz-type dog like the Akita, shares the compact, sturdy body and curled tail. Their thick grey coat and keen, alert expression give them a look similar to that of an Akita. Both breeds are known for their bravery and were originally bred for hunting.

7. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, though smaller, shares the spitz characteristics with Akitas, including the plush coat, pointed ears, and curled tail. Their bright, alert expression and bear-like face can remind one of a smaller version of the Akita. Both breeds have a striking presence and a loyal demeanor.

8. Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz dogs have the characteristic spitz-type features that are common in Akitas. They have a fox-like face, erect ears, and a curly tail, with a dense coat that can come in similar colors. While they are smaller and more vocal, their physical structure is reminiscent of the Akita.

9. Keeshond

The Keeshond, with its plush grey and black coat, shares a resemblance with the Akita in terms of its spitz heritage. They have a similar fluffy tail, alert expression, and bear-like face, although they are typically smaller and more sociable in nature. Both breeds have a dignified and confident appearance.

Did You Know that Helen Keller had an Akita dog, Kamikaze?

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10. Jindo

The Korean Jindo has a look that is quite similar to the Akita, with a strong, muscular build and erect ears. Their double coat, which can come in various colors, and their curled tail, give them a resemblance to the Akita. Jindos are known for their loyalty and intelligence, much like Akitas.

11. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd, while not one of the spitz breeds shares the solid, powerful build of the Akita. They have a dense double coat, strong, alert expression, and a similar bearing of dignity and independence. Both breeds are known for their protective nature.

12. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its large size and sturdy build, shares some physical characteristics with the Akita. They have a thick, tricolored coat and a strong, muscular body. While their temperament is generally more gentle, their physical presence is quite akin to that of an Akita.

13. Akita Inu

The Akita Inu, or Japanese Akita, is the variety of Akita originating from Japan and is the closest in appearance to the American Akita. These guard dogs share the same robust build, thick coat, and curled tail, but the Akita Inu often has a more fox-like face and comes in a narrower range of colors.

14. Kishu Ken

The Kishu Ken, another Japanese dog, is a similar breed to the Akita. This large dog has a a spitz-like appearance with a strong, muscular build, erect ears, and a curled tail. Their loyal and reserved nature is also similar to that of the Akita.

15. Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog, with its medium size and robust build, shares some characteristics with the Akita. They have a thick coat, alert expression, and are known for their fearless nature, much like Akitas. While smaller, their physical presence and demeanor are reminiscent of the Akita.

16. Eurasier

The Eurasier is a spitz-type breed that resembles the Akita in its coat, curled tail, and overall body structure. They have a calm and dignified expression, similar to the Akita, and a thick, medium-length coat. While they tend to be more even-tempered, their physical appearance is quite similar.

17. Leonberger

The Leonberger, though distinct with its lion-like mane and large size, shares the robust and powerful build of the Akita. They have a thick, water-resistant double coat and a strong, muscular body. While they are more known for their gentle giant demeanor, their physical stature is reminiscent of the noble Akita.

18. Kai Ken

The Kai Ken, a rare and beautiful breed from Japan, shares several striking characteristics with the more well-known Akita. Both breeds exhibit a strong and muscular build, exuding a sense of power and grace. The Kai Ken, with its dense double coat, pointed ears, and bushy tail, mirrors the Akita’s spitz-like features.

Their coats come in similar shades, often displaying brindle patterns that add to their visual allure. While the Kai Ken is generally smaller and more agile than the Akita, their keen expression and dignified stance make them look like a compact version of the majestic Akita, reflecting a shared heritage in their Japanese origins.

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19. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai, a miniature version of the larger Spitz-type breeds, bears a striking resemblance to the Akita, albeit in a much smaller package. Like the Akita, the Alaskan Klee Kai features the distinctive spitz characteristics: erect triangular ears, a bushy tail that curls over the back, and a thick double coat.

Their facial structure, with alert, almond-shaped eyes, gives them an expression akin to the Akita’s noble and watchful gaze. Although they differ significantly in size, the Alaskan Klee Kai’s physical attributes and demeanor echo the majestic presence of the Akita, making them appear like a diminutive, more approachable version of this esteemed breed.

20. Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu, another remarkable Japanese breed, shares a notable resemblance with the Akita, particularly in their dignified and robust stature. Both breeds exhibit a strong, muscular build, exuding a powerful presence. The Tosa Inu, known for its courageous and composed demeanor, mirrors the Akita’s confident and alert stance.

Their heads are broad and imposing, with small, dark eyes that convey a depth of intelligence and strength. Although the Tosa Inu typically has a shorter coat compared to the Akita’s plush fur, their similar body structure and commanding presence make them appear as though they belong to the same illustrious lineage of noble Japanese breeds.

Each of these breeds shares certain characteristics with the Akita, whether it’s the spitz-type features, the sturdy build, or the noble demeanor. Their similarities highlight the diverse yet interconnected nature of dog breeds around the world. 

If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, do make sure you work with a reputable breeder. If you’re in the United States check out this advice from the American Kennel Club.